The Chronic Danger of Heartworm in Dogs

As loving pet parents, it’s difficult to imagine our pets getting hurt or sick. Our love shouldn't blind us to the dangers that exist in our world. This is why every owner must educate themselves on the topic of heartworm disease, and how it can impact the quality of your dog’s life. 

 

Heartworm is a parasite that spreads through the bites of mosquitoes. Once infected, your pup will experience an incubation period of about 6 to 7 months, after which, the larvae will grow into adult heartworms. The danger the parasite poses to your pet is referred to as the “worm burden” and for many pups, their burden may be asymptomatic. However, the disease eventually catches up, progressive through four stages of severity. 

 

If your pup’s worm burden reaches a certain point, Caval syndrome may develop. This disease is when the worm burden is so high, the heart cannot properly function due to the restricting mass of worms. The only cure for Caval syndrome is risky heart surgery. 

 

How can you tell if your pup has heartworm? Here are a few symptoms:

 

• Mild Persistent Cough
• Lethargy
• Weight Loss
• Swollen Belly
• Difficulty Breathing

 

No dog should live with the burden of heartworms. If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, do not hesitate to contact your local veterinarian for parasite screening and physical examination.

 

For Heartworm Prevention and Treatment, Bring Your Canine to Complete Care Veterinary Center

 

Keep your canine companion protected against the dangers of heartworm. At Complete Care Veterinary Center, our experienced and compassionate team will provide nothing short of the best care for your pet. With our impeccable standards, our full-service clinic will be the one-stop-shop for all your dog’s health needs. Contact or visit us today to consult your dog’s heartworm prevention and treatment!